Crosby, Stamkos To Share Richard Trophy, Both Net 51st of the Season

Given that Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and Alexander Ovechkin were all in the running for the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer I was shocked to see none of the Canadian or American networks made a move to pick up all three games. In the end the networks and fans missed out as Stamkos and Crosby put on a show on Sunday as both players posted their 51^st goals of the season.

Ovechkin failed to bulge the twine when he and his Washington Capitals took on the Boston Bruins, losing 4-3 in a shootout and, in the process leaving the Richard Trophy up for grabs.

In a Herculean effort, Crosby scored two goals (his 50th and 51st of the season) and added three assists Sunday, as he leapfrogged over Alexander Ovechkin and Stamkos for the NHL goal scoring lead, if only for a moment anyways.

Stamkos, who failed to score in the first two periods against the Florida Panthers came through in the end as he too posted his 51^st goal of the season, tying him with Crosby, which means both Stamkos and Crosby will have to share the Rocket Richard Tropgy as the NHL’s top snipers.

Stamkos, who scored with just 12 seconds left in the third period, has won the Richard Trophy in just his second season in the NHL, a feat that is very impressive to say the least.

Clearly the odds-on favorite to win the Richard Trophy coming into the 2009/’10 season was Alexander Ovechkin, but his suspensions ended up holding him back, which should teach him a lesson.

For Crosby it’s another milestone accomplished. The Richard Trophy win should silence his critics who have often said he does not have the offensive presence that Ovechkin does; to them I say the proof is in the pudding and, for this season anyways, Ovi will have to play second fiddle to Crosby…again.

Former Atlanta Thrashers superstar and Calgary Flames Captain Jarome Iginla and Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Rick Nash all shared Richard Trophy honors in 2003/’04, scoring a paltry 41 goals apiece that season.

It was a tremendous finish for both Crosby and Stamkos, too bad many of us couldn’t have watched it play out.

For more NHL news and notes check out my website at www.thesalpshot.com

Until next time,

Peace!